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** 26 September 2025
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UK


** Liverpool backs smoke-free zones for outdoor dining (#1)
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** The impact of smoking and vaping on oral health (#2)
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** Debate grows over vape shops on struggling high streets (#3)
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** Police roll out new technology to detect vape spiking (#4)
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Links of the week


** UN marks two decades of global tobacco control treaty (#5)
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** Health trends and variation in England, 2025: A Chief Medical Officer report (#6)
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UK


** Liverpool backs smoke-free zones for outdoor dining

Liverpool has introduced a rule that bans smoking in outdoor areas covered by pavement licences, with 74% of people surveyed backing the move, including some people who smoke. The measure, approved earlier this year, is intended to limit second-hand smoke, help people stop smoking and reduce litter from cigarette use. Vaping is still permitted under the policy. So far, more than 227 licences have been issued, with the council stating the change is making outdoor areas more pleasant for residents and visitors. In 2024, about 17% of the city’s population smoked, each spending up to £2,500 annually on tobacco.

Source: BBC News, 26 September 2025

See also:ASH Briefing on Smokefree Pavement Licenses ([link removed])
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Read Here ([link removed])


** The impact of smoking and vaping on oral health

While the dangers of smoking for oral health are well established, the consequences of vaping on dental health remain uncertain due to limited and often flawed research. Emerging evidence suggests possible links between vaping and issues such as gum irritation, dry mouth, plaque build-up and an increased risk of tooth decay, though the effects appear less severe than those caused by tobacco. Further investigation is needed to determine whether it is vaping itself that causes tooth decay. Other factors could be involved, such as some evidence showing that nicotine users may eat more sugar. Dry mouth, potentially triggered by ingredients in vape liquids, may play a role in dental problems by reducing saliva, which normally protects teeth. Unlike smoking, vaping does not expose users to the same level of carcinogens.

Source: The Guardian, 25 September 2025
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Read Here ([link removed])


** Debate grows over vape shops on struggling high streets

Scunthorpe’s town centre, like many others, has seen a rise in vape shops alongside pawnbrokers, gambling venues and charity stores, while many traditional retailers have disappeared. The government plans to give councils new powers to block more vape outlets and similar businesses, as well as take over empty buildings for community use. Local shopkeepers and residents agree that too many vape stores make the high street less appealing, however Conservative leader of the North Lincolnshire Council, Rob Waltham, warned that banning them without lowering costs for businesses could simply leave more empty units. Unnamed vaping industry groups have argued that vape shops provide economic benefits and help people quit smoking.

Source: BBC News, 26 September 2025
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Read Here ([link removed])


** Police roll out new technology to detect vape spiking

The Metropolitan Police have introduced specialist equipment to identify drugs hidden in vapes, following cases where children as young as 14 were hospitalised after inhaling cannabis-laced products. The devices, already used in schools and nightlife venues, can quickly detect substances such as THC and spice. The initiative is part of wider efforts to tackle spiking.

Source: The Independent, 26 September 2025
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Read Here ([link removed])
Links of the week


** UN marks two decades of global tobacco control treaty

A special UN side event in New York celebrated the 20th anniversary of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, highlighting its role in reducing tobacco use and shaping global health policy. Organised by Cancer Research UK, the Global Alliance for Tobacco Control and partners, the meeting explored how lessons from tobacco regulation can guide wider efforts against non-communicable diseases. Speakers emphasised the treaty’s success in uniting governments and civil society, with taxation and grassroots advocacy cited as key achievements. The gathering concluded with calls for stronger collaboration and sustained funding to advance tobacco control and accelerate progress on global health goals.

Source: WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), 23 September 2025
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Read Here ([link removed])


** Health trends and variation in England, 2025: A Chief Medical Officer report

This report from Professor Chris Whitty, the Chief Medical Officer for England, outlines key health trends in England and, where relevant, across the UK, with implications for future NHS and public health planning. It highlights variation in health outcomes linked to geography, social and economic background, gender, age and ethnicity, while also comparing England’s health with that of neighbouring countries. By identifying the groups experiencing the poorest outcomes, the report aims to target interventions more fairly and effectively, while drawing lessons from populations with the best health.
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For more information email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or visit www.ash.org.uk
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ASH Daily News is a digest of published news on smoking-related topics. ASH is not responsible for the content of external websites. ASH does not necessarily endorse the material contained in this bulletin.

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